Chief Financial Officer

Location

1 Smith Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 with occasional travel to 1360 Garrison Ave. Bronx, NY 10474

Reports To

Executive Director

About The HOPE Program

The HOPE Program (HOPE) empowers New Yorkers to build stronger futures through comprehensive training, employment, career advancement, and lifelong support. For forty years, HOPE has stood as a pillar for individuals facing systemic barriers to economic opportunity.

Our vision of a Home Of Prosperity and Empowerment goes beyond traditional job placement by preparing participants for sustainable careers and addressing systemic challenges in underserved neighborhoods. Through our signature workforce development initiatives and holistic support services, we help participants navigate the challenges of unemployment, underemployment, and financial instability.

Our employees embody HOPE’s core values—Heart, Opportunity, Purpose-Driven, and Excellence—by embracing a growth mindset, showing empathy, and remaining deeply committed to the individuals we serve. We are committed to breaking the cycles of poverty and exclusion that impact so many in our city.

Position Summary

HOPE is seeking a talented, experienced financial professional to serve as  Chief Financial Officer. The CFO will oversee all financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, government grant management, and compliance requirements while working closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop and implement financial strategies that support the organization's mission and goals. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced finance professional seeking a meaningful interim assignment with a high-impact nonprofit organization that is positioned for growth.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Develop and implement financial strategies that support HOPE's mission and goals during the transitional period
• Manage and oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, government grant management, and financial analysis
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records, including the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and other financial systems
• Oversee all fiscal matters, including monitoring of revenues and expenses, government and contract funding, and cash flow projections
• Review, update and administer financial systems and effective internal controls including budget setting and tracking, expenditure approvals processes, record-keeping and reporting
• Manage relationships with external partners, including banks, auditors, and other financial service providers
• Perform all treasury functions including maintaining appropriate liquidity levels

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly financial statements and prepare and present financial reports to the Executive Director and Board of Directors, providing analysis and recommendations as needed
• Oversee annual audit, all tax filings and compliance requirements, ensuring that the organization is in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations
• Ensure compliance with all financial reporting and regulatory requirements, including tax filings, audits, and other reporting requirements

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Develop and oversee the annual budgeting process, working closely with program managers and other stakeholders to develop realistic and achievable budgets
• Monitor actual performance against budget and provide regular updates and analysis to the Executive Director and Board of Directors
• Develop and maintain financial forecasting models that support long-term financial planning and decision-making in accordance with the strategic plan as well as the conditions on the ground

Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Work closely with the Executive Director and senior leaders to develop and implement strategic plans and goals that support HOPE's mission and vision
• Analyze HOPE operations, using internal and external data to identify opportunities for improvement and apply best business practices so that HOPE can meet goals outlined in strategic plan
• Lead development of financial strategies to address internal/external issues that significantly impact The HOPE Program
• Provide leadership and mentorship to existing finance staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development

Board Relations and Reporting

• Report on the financial performance of the organization to the Finance Committee and the Board of Directors, including regular updates on budget performance, forecasts, and financial risks and opportunities
• Work closely with the Investment Committee to monitor performance of the endowment portfolio and ensure it adheres to current Investment Policy
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop and implement financial policies and procedures that align with the organization's values and strategic goals

Continuity Management

• Document financial processes and procedures for organizational continuity
• Mentor existing finance team and prepare systems for eventual permanent hire transition
• Other duties as assigned 

Minimum Qualifications

The following are the ideal qualifications for this position. A successful candidate will possess a compelling combination of strengths in some areas and the self-awareness to identify areas where they are eager to learn and grow.

• Passion for HOPE's mission and commitment to empowering individuals living in poverty
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; MBA or CPA strongly preferred
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, with at least 5 years in a nonprofit organization
• Proven track record of successful financial management, including experience developing and implementing financial strategies, managing budgets, and overseeing financial reporting and compliance
• Strong understanding of nonprofit filing practices, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and relevant laws, regulations, and compliance requirements
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, with experience building and leading high-performing teams
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and financial management software
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and provide effective leadership during transitional periods

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NetSuite and Salesforce 
• Advanced degree (MBA, MSF) or professional certification (CPA, CMA)
• Previous interim or temporary executive experience
• Experience in workforce development or social services sector
• Experience with government contracts and grant funding
• Passionate interest in mentoring others and working as a team

Work Environment

• This is a position working at least 4 days per week at HOPE and partner locations and work schedule will include evening and weekend hours. Depending on the candidate, we might consider three days per week.
• Work hours for this position may be subject to change based on organizational needs. Employees may be required to adjust their schedules, including working outside of standard business hours, as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.
• Employees serve as ambassadors of The HOPE Program and may be called upon to represent the organization at community events, partner meetings, public forums, and other external engagements, helping to advance our mission and strengthen relationships with stakeholders, including employers and community partners.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time position offering an annual salary range of $130,000-$160,000, depending on the level of experience. HOPE provides a full package of benefits including healthcare,vision and dental insurance, retirement plan, competitive vacation (plus half-day Fridays during July and August), and 12 paid holidays.

The HOPE Program is an equal opportunity employer.

WWW.THEHOPEPROGRAM.ORG

Salary : $130,000 - $160,000